Pickling apparatus



6, 194, 69 g MCKEE PICKLI'NG APPARATUS Filed April 29, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR STANLEY H. M: KEE

ai'iflag BY v I .MQ MMW 2 ATTORNEYS s. H. M KEE EAQAQES? PICKLING APPARATUS Filed April 29, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 m mw . A TTORNEYS 5. HQ M KEE 2 %5 fi5? PICKLING APPARATUS Filed April 29, 194-4 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. STAN LEY H. McKE E WJMAAA ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 6, 1946 PICKLING APPARATUS Stanley H. McKee, Youngstown, Ohio, assignor to Youngstown Welding & Engineering Co., Youngstown, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application April 29, 1944, Serial No. 533,302

14 Claims.

The present invention, relating as indicated to a pickling apparatus, has more particular reference to a device for immersing elongated metal workpieces such a rods, bars, tubes and thelike in a pickling bath.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide means for inmiersing a bundle or a plural number of such workpieces into the pickling bath in such a manner that a, rolling and tumbling action is imparted to the individual workpieces in order to secure a more complete and efficient contact of their surfaces with the chemical solution; and to accomplish such rolling and tumbling action by the simple expedient of raising and lowering the bundle of workpieces when supported in flexible slings. My invention accomplishing this objective has the further advantage in that a substantial reduction in driving power for raising and lowering the flexible slings is made possible.

Another object of my invention is to provide a lifting means on the flexible supporting slings whereby the bundle of workpieces is automatically tilted at an angle to the horizontal so that excess pickling solution adhering to and trapped by the workpieces (particularly in the case of tubes) is permitted to drain back into the pickling bath tank.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for withdrawing fumes arising from the pickling bath, and with a minimum amount of obstruction of the space above the pickling tank.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the following description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the steps hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail one approved method of carrying out the invention, such disclosed method, however, constituting but one of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be used.

Fig. 1 is a vertical, sectional view of a pickling apparatus embodying the principle of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical, sectional view of a modified form of the apparatus showing the means for efiecting the automatic horizontal tilting of the workpieces as they are lifted from the pickling bath;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view, with portions broken away of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the sling contacting support mounted within the pickling tank;

Fig. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view showing another modified form of construction;

Fig. 6 is a partial top plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 5; and i Fig. 7 is an elevational view taken from the inside of the pickling tank.

Now referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, there is shown therein a, pickling tank I which is of relatively large length compared to its width and depth, in order to accommodate lengths of elongated workpieces, such as the bars indicated at W. The tank I is preferably installed in such a manner that its top edge is slightly above the level of the workshop floor 2. Parallel shafts 3 and 4 are mounted on opposite sides of the tank l and are supported in the longitudinally spaced bearings 5 and 6, respectively, which are in turn carried by the mounting blocks or pedestals I and 8.

Drum type pulley wheels 9 and ID are mounted upon the shafts 3 and 4, and are located in side to side alignment with each other. The periphery of the wheels 9 and I0 project slightly inwardly of the plane of the inside vertical walls of the tank I. Each end of the chain slings or loops l I are attached to the pulleys 9 and I0.

A horizontal rail I2 is. supported above the bottom of the tank I by means of the vertical stanchions l3. The stanchions l3 have a supporting shoulder, as best indicated in Fig. 4, in which the ends of adjacent rails l2 are secured by means of the bolts or rivets l4, thus presenting a slot or gap l5 for the reception of a sling chain l I.

Where it might be desirable to mount a sling across the shafts 3 and 4 at a longitudinal point which is not in transverse alignment with one of the stanchions l3 or slots l5, a slot I5 is provided in the top side of the rail l2.

It will thus be seen that as the chain supporting the bundles slings ll, of workpieces W (such as bars, rods or tubes) are lowered down into the tank I, the mid-portion of the chain slings l l contacts with and rests upon the rail sections l2, whereupon on further lowering of the chains H, the latter fall down into the loops l6 and l! on each side of the rail l2, thus dividing the original single bundle of workpieces into the two bundles W1 and W2. As the workpieces go from their position as indicated at W in Fig. 1 to the positions as indicated at W1 and W2, rolling and tumbling action. Thus, the surfaces of the workpieces not only have an increased movethey are given a combined vertical side walls of the tank i and in alignment with the pulleys 9 and Iii and each sling chain 1 l. The chain guides I8 continue across the bottom of the tank I as indicated at i9. and up. to a..con-. verging point on both sidesof therail I 2, asindicated at 29. These chain guides present a trough or opening which is slightly wider than thewidth of the chains II, for maintaining the latter in unkinked and properly aligned position, as well as preventing damaging, or improper contacting of the chains with the. inside. walls of the tank, I.

The shafts 3 and. 4.- are, connected through the worm gear. reduction units. 2,-l andv 22 to the, common, double. ended shaft Worm. gear. reduction unit 23. A drive motor 2.4; is. connected to the gear unit 23. A suitable. brake, .suchas a, solenoid operated. brake, as indicated, at 24', is connected to the motor 24. In operation, the motor 24. is driven in one directionto. lower the chain slings Ii tothe lowermost position as shown in Fig. 1, then. stopped and. reversed to raise them to the uppermost position. The wheels 9 and 1B are of such. diameter as to require less than one revolution, to. effect such raising and lowering of the chain slings. M. This operation is, of course, repeated as many times. as found. necessary to complete the desired. amount of pickling.

It will thus be seen, thatby reasonof supporting substantially one-half of the workpiece load on, the rail 12-, that. correspondingly only. about one-half of the power is required in lifting the bundles W1 and. W2 from. the, bottommost position as shown in Fig. l, to the point where the sling chains H move outof contact with the rail l2. thus permitting, a substantial savings in the cost of operating power for the apparatus.

A, pair. of exhaust fnmemanifold ducts 2.5 and 26 are alsosupported upon. the pedestals T and 8 and in parallel relationship with respect to the shafts 3 and 4. Intake headers. 21 and 28 extend laterally from the manifold ducts 25 and 26, respectively, and, inwardly throughthe spaces between, the pedestals 1; and. 8. The intake ends 29 and 30 of, the headers. 2:1 and 28 are located around the inside top marginal edge of. the tank and as best seen in Fig. 1 at a point between the normal liquid level L. of the pickling bath and the top of the tank. The manifold ducts25 and 26 join in the Y connection at one end. of the tank I, as indicated at 31. where they. are connected to the exhaust, fan 32.

In the form of. construction shown: inEig. 2, means are provided for horizontally. tilting one end of the workpieces suchasthe bundle of. tubes T as they are lifted to a position above theliquid level L of the bath in the tank 1'. In this case, one of the sling chains ll is carriedv by. circular wheels I and 8,, similar to those previously. described. However, another sling chain 35 near the opposite end of the tubesT is carriedby. the non-circular or cam shaped wheels 35 and 31. Thus, as the shafts 3f and l are rotatably driven, the wheels 36 and 31 havea greater lifting. rate as the chain 35 is wound up upon their larger diametrr portion, so that theend of the tubes'I.

which such chains support is tilted above the end supported by the chain H. This permits the interior of the tubes or pipes T to drain excess solution back into the tank I and to permit fresh pickling solution to run back into them on the next submersion or lowering of the bundle of tubes down into the tank I.

In the modified form of construction shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the exhaust fume manifold duct leading from the top inner edge of the tank 4| is made in the form of a combined floor platform and exhaust duct system. In addition, a modifiedform of sling chain contacting stanchion is also. shown.

The-sling chains-42 are supported on the wheels 43 which are carried by the oppositely driven shafts 44, in the same manner as previously described in connection with Figs. 1 and 3. The walls of the tank 4| may be fabricated from acid resistant metal plate or sheet, or its interior may be lined with a metallic sheathing, such as Monel metal sheets as indicated at,45. Individualchain contacting, stanchions; 4B, are. mounted on: the bottom of the. tank, 41 in; alignment; with the chains 42. The top edge of the. stanchions 4 6.are concavely curved, as, indicated; as. 41;, to, provide a seat or saddlefor each chainAZ.

Between the masonryor concrete bases, upon which the pedestals 451; are mounted. there; is built a wooden platform comprising the: tongue and groove flooring 50 and, the, transverse joists or screeds 5|. The flooring 50; runsbut beyond the outer edge of the. pedestal bases 48 to the vertical side wall 52 whichrests; upon thesurface of, the shop floor, 53. The. spaces between the screeds 5i and the underside of; the floorin 59 thus provide the exhaust fume header ducts which lead in from. the inside top. marginaledge of the tank 4|. to the space 54- which in turn serves as the-main. exhaust duct ormanifold. As in the case with. respect to Fig. 3, theducts 54 on opposite sides of; the tank 4| are connected to a common exhaust fan at oneendof the tank. The latter construction. is not, herefurther shown or described in detail, as itsconstruction will be readily understood, by. those skilled in the art.

Other modes of applying the principle of. the invention may, be employed, change being made as regards the, details described, provided thefeatures stated, in. any of the. following claims. or the equivalent of such be employed.

I therefore particularly point.outanddistinctly claim as my invention;

1. A pickling apparatus for bars,,ro ds,,tubes and the like, comprising. a. tankuflexible slings for suspending a plurality, of such pieces to be treated in such tank, and means, for. diverting said slings without holding, such pieces, including a fixed member in said tank presenting. an upper horizontal bearing edge adapted tobe contacted by-saidslings, whereby the latter on beinglowcred beyond the top of said bearing edge, are caused to fall into-loops on each side thereof;

2. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprisinga tank, open-endedfflexible slings for suspending a plurality of such pieces to'be treated in such tank, a fixed member in said tank presenting an upper, horizontal bearing edge adapted to be; contacted by said slings, whereby the latter; on being-loweredbeyond the top ofsaid edge, are caused to fall into twoopenended loops on each side of'said' edge, and guide. channels to maintain the slings in unkinked position.

3. A pickling apparatus for bars; rods; tubes and the like, comprising aJtank, flexibleslingsfor talrail in said tank disposed transversely tof'said slings, said rail having its top edge located below the top of said tank and adapted to be contacted by such slings, whereby the latter on being lowered below said rail are caused to fall into loops on each side thereof.

4. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising a tank, flexible slings for suspending a plurality of said pieces to be treated in such tank, a horizontal rail supported on the bottom of said tank mid-way of the sides thereof and extending transversely with respect to said slings, said rail having its top edge located below the top of said tank and adapted to be contacted by said slings, whereby the latter, on being lowered below said rail, are caused to fall into loops on each side thereof, and guide channels to maintain the slings in unkinked position.

5. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising a tank, flexible slings for suspending a plurality of pieces to be treated in said tank, and means for diverting said slings without holding such pieces, including uprights mounted on the bottom of said tank in alignment with each of said slings, the top of said uprights being located below the top of said tank and adapted to be contacted by said slings, whereby the latter on being lowered below said uprights are caused to fall into loops on each side thereof.

6. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising a tank, rotatable shafts mounted on opposite sides of said tank, flexible slings having each of their ends carried by each of said shafts, driving means for turning said shafts in opposite directions with respect to each other to raise and lower said slings in said tank, and a supporting element mounted above the bottom of said tank for contacting said slings at their mid-point, whereby said slings are divided into loops on each side of said supporting element on being lowered below it.

7. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising a tank, rotatable shafts mounted on opposite sides of said tank, longitudinally spaced wheels on said shafts, sling chains having each end attached to opposite wheels on each of said shafts, driving means for turning said shafts in opposite directions with respect to each other to raise and lower said slings in said tank, and a horizontal rail mounted above the bottom of said tank for contacting said slings at their mid-point, whereby said slings are divided into loops on each side of said rail on being lowered below it.

8. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising a tank, rotatable shafts mounted on opposite sides of said tank, longitudinally spaced wheels on said shafts, sling chains having each end attached to opposite wheels on each of said shafts, driving means for turning said shafts in opposite directions with respect to each other to raise and lower said slings in said tank, a horizontal rail mounted above the bottom of said tank for contacting said slings at their midpoint, whereby said slings are divided into loops on each side of said rail on being lowered below it, and channel members in alignment with each of said sling chains, said channel members having an open side of greater width than that of said chains and extending down the sides of said tank, along the bottom'thereof and up to. the top :of. said rail. I I

:19. A pickling apparatusv for-bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising atank, rotatable shafts mounted on opposite sides ofisaidtank, driving means'for turning said shafts in opposite directions with respect to eachother, longitudinally spaced: wheels on said shafts, and flexible slings attached. to said wheels for suspendingra plurality of such pieces to be treated in said tank, the wheels adjacent one end of said shafts having a circular periphery and the Wheels adjacent the other end of said shafts having a non-circular, cam shaped periphery, whereby said slings attached to said non-circular wheels are raised and lowered at a different rate than that of the slings attached to said circular wheels,

10. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising a tank, rotatable shafts mounted on opposite sides of said tank, driving means for turning said shafts in opposite directions with respect to each other, longitudinally spaced wheels on said shafts, flexible slings attached to said wheels for suspending a plurality of such pieces to be treated in said tank, the wheels adjacent one end of said shafts having a circular periphery and the wheels adjacent the other end of said shafts having a non-circular, cam shaped periphery, whereby said slings attached to said non-circular wheels are raised and lowered at a different rate than that of the slings attached to said circular wheels, and a supporting element mounted above the bottom of said tank for contacting said slings, whereby the latter are caused to fall into loops on each side of said supporting element on being lowered below it.

11. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising an -open topped tank adapted to contain a pickling bath, fume exhausting manifold ducts disposed along the top sides of said tank, and intake headers in said ducts having their intake ends located at the inside margin of said tank between the top edge thereof and the liquid level of said bath. 7

12. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising an open topped tank adapted to contain a pickling bath, rotatable shafts mounted parallel to the top sides of said tank, flexible slings having their opposite ends carried by said shafts, supporting pedestals for said shafts and longitudinally spaced with respect thereto, manifold ducts parallel to said shafts and positioned on the outside of said pedestals with respect to said tank, and intake headers extending transversely with respect to said ducts in the space between said pedestals and having their intake ends located at the inside margin of said tank between the top edge thereof and the liquid level of the bath.

13. A pickling tank structure comprising a tank having its top edge spaced slightly above the surrounding floor level, a wooden platform contiguous to the inside wall of said tank, supporting members under said platform extending at right angles to the inside wall of said tank, vertical wall members closing the outer edge of said platform with respect to the floor surface, the space beneath said platform between said supporting members forming lat ral fume exhaust ducts leading from the top inside wall of said tank, and the space beneath said platform adjacent said vertical wall members forming a manifold duct connected to such lateral exhaust ducts.

14. A pickling apparatus for bars, rods, tubes and the like, comprising an open topped tank I above the floor adiacent the top oixsaid tank. the

space beneath said. platform between said pedestals forming lateral fume exhaust ducts lead- --ing from the top inside wall ofsaid tank, and the spaoebeneath said platform beyond said pedestals arming amaniiold duct connected to said lateral "exhaust ducts.

STANLEY H. .MCKEE. 

